Sterilizer



y 5, 1953 A. T. HASHEM ET AL 2,637,077

STERILIZER Filed July 15, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET l y 1953 A. T. HASHEM ETAL STERILIZER 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed July 13, 1950 Mal/ma;

Patented May 5, 1953 OFFICE STERILIZER Abraham T. Hashem and Thomas A.Hashem, Cheektowaga, N. Y.

Application July 13, 1950, Serial No. 173,664

2 Claims. (01. 21-96) This invention relates to sterilizers and isparticularly concerned with improved cabinet type sterilizers designedfor use by barbers, hair dressers, and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer of thetype described which is attractive and neat in appearance and in whichthe tools and implements of the barber may be efi'iciently sterilizedand prepared for re-use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sterilizing cabinetwhich is compact and conveniently arranged to receive the tools andimplements which it is desired to sterilize and from which thesterilized articles may be readily removed when their use is required.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sterilizer with a dualcabinet which permits sterilization of implements by alternativemethods.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a sterilizer ofsimple, inexpensive construction, but which is reliable in operation andis inexpensive and easy to use and operate.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description of one embodiment thereof considered in connectionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a sterilizer constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the sterilizer shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the sterilizer shown in Figs. 1 and 2with a portion thereof broken away to show the interior arrangement ofthe auxiliary sterilizing chamber;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the sterilizer shown in Figs.1-3, inclusive, showing the construction of the removable instrumenttray and with a portion of the tray broken away to show certain detailsof the base construction;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1 with thesterilizing chamber door swung downwardly into open position and theremovable instrument tray pulled out; I

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2 with theshell forming the auxiliary sterilizing chamber swung back to show thearrangement of the implements therein; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit used in thesterilizer shown in the preceding figures.

The sterilizer illustrated in the drawings comprises a casing H which ispreferably substantially square in horizontal section with upwardlyconverging sides and rounded corners and edges. It may conveniently beformed of aluminum, stainless steel or enamelled sheet metal althoughother suitable materials may also be used. At its open lower end thecasing II is carried by a shallow base or tank [2, which may also beconstructed of metal or may be formed of porcelain, metal lined plastic,or other suitable materials and which has a horizontal section like thatof the casing l I.

On its bottom, the base 12 is provided adjacent each corner thereof witha downwardly projecting foot l3. Through the rear wall 16 of the base [2there is provided an opening H, the outer portion of which is enlargedto receive a screw-threaded nipple l8 which carries a small tube I9.Through one side wall 22 of the tank l2 there is provided a hole adaptedto receive an insulating bushing or grommet 23 through which anelectrical cable or cord 24 may be led into the interior of the base.Mounted on the tank wall 22 in close proximity to the bushing v23 is atimer switch 28 which is connected to the electrical cable 24 interiorlyof the tank 12.

On the exterior of the front wall 3| of the base or tank l2 there isprovided a horizontally arranged hinge 32, the upper leaf of which isattached to the front side of the casing I l which is detachable andforms a door 33. When the door 33 is in raised, vertical position itcloses the casing H; when swung down into open position it permits freeand convenient access to the interior of said casing. The door 33 ispreferably formed of the same material as the casing II and is providedwith a handle or other grasping means 34 adjacent the top of itsexterior.

A partition 31 preferably formed integrally with the base or tank l2divides the interior of the base into a large steam generating chamber38 and a smaller compartment 39 adjacent the side wall 22 whichsurrounds the inner end of the bushing or grommet 23. An electricalheating element 40 of conventional type is provided within the chamber38, one end of said element passing through an insulating bushing 42 inthe partition 31 into the compartment 39. The timer switch 28 and theelectric cable 24 also project into the compartment 39 and suitableelectrical connections between the cable, the timer switch and theheating element 40 are provided within the compartment.

An instrument tray 44, preferably made of aluminum or stainless steel,is mounted in the base I 2 with the edges thereof slidably fitting intohorizontal slots or grooves 46 formed along the side and rear walls ofthe base adjacent the top thereof. The front wall 3| of the base ortankv i2 is reduced in height to permit the tray 44 to slidelongitudinally into and out of the base. When the casing door 33 isswung downwardly into the position shown in Fig. 5, the tray 44 may bewithdrawn from the sterilizer.

The instrument tray i4 is formed with an. upturned flange 41 at itsfront edge by which it may be conveniently grasped for movement thereofand with a convex central portion 48 which is provided with a pluralityof holes 49 and is pref! erably circular in shape. On one side of theraised portion '58 the tray 44 is provided. with a depressed portion 52which is so shaped as to receive a shaving or lather brush 53 ofconventional design and size and prevent rolling thereof.

A plurality of holes or perforations 54 are formed in the tray M withinthe depressed portion 52. Further, onthe opposite side of. the raised.porticn: 4%, the tray has formed therein a plurality of holes 5%. Thetray 4 thus serves as a permeable panel or partition between the steam.generating chamber 33 andthe steam sterilizing chamber 51 which isprovided in the interior of the casing. H.

Mounted on the top 53 of the casing H is a motor housing 59 which issecured by suitable means (not shown). Within the housing 59 there 1 isprovided an electric motor Bl which is supplied with current throughsuitable connections (not shown) with the cord or cable 24 in thecompartment 39 and is controlled by the timer switch 28'. The shaft 62of the motor (it extends vertically'dowmvardly into the steamsterilizing chamber 5'! in the interior of the casing H and its lowerend is provided with a detachable gripping device 83: which is adapted,as shown in Figs. 5

and 6, to be inserted. in a recess 6-5 in the base of ahair or neckbrush 6% such as is customarily used by barbers. Surrounding the shaft82 and also'extending downwardly into the casing. H is a bearing bushing68.

In. Fig. '7 there is shown a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitused with the sterilizer of the present invention. The leads H and '12which represent the electrical power cord or cable 24 are connected witha suitablesource of electri cal current (not shown), the lead H beingcon.- nected at its other end to the timer switch. 28. The lattercontrols the flow of electrical current in'paraliel circuitsthrough themotor 81 and the resistance heating element 4%, respectively, be tweenthe leads I! and t2. Interposed betweenthe timer switch 28 and theheating element: 40 in the latter circuit there is provided a thermostatic regulator l3 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The operation of a sterilizer embodying the present invention, as thusfar described, is sub stantially automatic. When it is desired to carryout sterilization of tools or implements. which have been used on acustomer, the harbor opens the. door 33 of the sterilizer and pulls outthe in! strument shelf or tray 44. A measured quantity of water is thenpoured into chamber 3'8 in the base or tank 12', the. lather brush 53may be placed in the depression 52, and the comb and shears may besuspended. from the clips or hooks T! which are preferably attached tothe side wall of, the casing. H opposite the brush. 53. A neck brush. 66may then. be. suspended from the motor shaittfi by the grippingdevice.The tray is then returned to position inside the sterilizer and the door33 is closed.

Upon actuation of the timer switch 28 electrical current is firstsupplied to the electrical heating element 40 to heat the water whichhas been placed in the steam generating chamber 38. When the waterreaches boiling temperature the thermostatic regulator 13 is actuated toreduce the current flowing through the heating element 40 so that thewater is prevented from boiling but is kept at such a temperature thatsteam will be vigorously evolved.

Steam formed by the boiling water in the chamber 38 passes into thesterilizing chamber 511 through the perforations 49 in the convexportion 48 of the tray 44 by which it is directed onto the brush E6. Thelatter, which is suspended by its handle over the perforations, isthoroughly sterilized. by the steam which is able to penetrate into thebrush. At the same time steam passes through the perforations tilt inthe depressed portiorr 51 and. thoroughly sterilizes the lather brush5-3 which is locatedv therein. The shears and comb which are held bythe. clips 71 are also subjected to steam which passes through the holes56 in the tray 44 on; the side of the tray opposite to the depressedportion 52 and are thus sterilized. if desired, other tools orinstruments may be laid on the tray M: or hung on suitable means. in thechamber 57! for sterilization. The generation. of steam continues forthe desired period of time which is determined by the timer switch 28.

At the conclusion of the sterilization period the switch furtheroperates automaticallyto open the circuit through the heating element40' and to close the circuit through the motor 64.. The rotation of; themotor shaft 62 which. results causes rotation: of the neck. brush 65-with the result that moisture is spun out of the brush and it: is driedready for re-use. At this time any water which may remain in the chamber38 may be drawn ofi through the opening l1, nipple l8 and tube t8;Drainage prevented. or permittedas desired. by a valve or stop-cock. notshown)- on: the tube I9.

Thetime required. for; the steam: sterilization andbrush: drying cycledescribed above maybe varied as desired or required by the size of thesterilizer and; the: amount of'water used. The timer'switchrrii is?adjustedto operate: automatically after initial actuation to generatesteam by heating the water, toshut on. the sterilizer and start themotor and finally to stop the motor at. appropriate times.

Steami sterilization of certain of the instruments and tools used bybarbers undesirable because of the deleterious effectof. moisturethereon 0:: becauseof their being adversely'affected by heatzInstruments of this type such as razors, clippers,.and the: like should,however, be sterilized. Accordingly, there has been provided on the:exterior of't he casing it an auxiliary sterilizing chamber; Thisauxiliary chamber is preferabiy located on the exterior of one side wallI of the casing ii and is formed by the shell it;

The shell it is substantially rectangular in vertical crosssection and.comprises, as shown best Figs; 3 and 6- a vertical panel '59 which hasextendingv outwardls therefrom around its edges walls 8!, 32,- B3,- andWit-the free edges of which fit closely against the outer face of theadjacent sidewall of the casing H I The shell 58' is pivotally mountedon the casing. ll by a pair of hinges '86, the leavesofwhich areattached to the casin and. to the wall. 8 i' of theshell. On itsopposite wall t2 the shell 78 is provided with a finger grip M by whichit may be conveniently swung on the hinges 85 to open and closedpositions. It will be noted that the upper, substantially horizontalwall 33 extends inwardly toward the center of the casing ll so as tomake a smooth joint with the top 58 of the casing and is provided with aslot 89 therethrough providing communication from outside with theinterior of the auxiliary chamber. A plurality of clips 9i and a hook 92are attached by suitable means, such as welding, to the side wall of thecasing l I within the auxiliary sterilizing chamber. The hook 92 isadapted to support a clipper or dry shaver 93, the electrical cord 94for which may pass through the slot 89 to the interior of the auxiliarychamber while the clips 9! are adapted to hold one or more straightrazors 96 of conventional type.

In the bottom of the shell 18 there is mounted a dish or reservoir Mwhich is adapted to hold a liquid and preferably somewhat volatiledisinfectant such as formaldehyde solution or other similar fluid. Whenthe shell '18 is swung into the position shown in Figs. 1-4, inclusive,the fumes from the disinfectant or sterilizing iiuid in the dish 91substantially fill the auxiliary sterilizing chamber and effectivelysterilize the tools or instruments suspended therein. The instrumentsmay be easily removed, however, by merely swinging back the shell 78 andremoving the instruments from the supporting clips or hooks. The slightwarming of the dish ii! which results from its proximity to the casing ii will assist the production of disinfecting or sterilizing vapor fromthe fluid therein.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the presentinvention provides a compact, convenient, and easily operated sterilizerwhich has dual sterilizing chambers and thus permits the sterilizationwith steam of tools and instruments which are not harmed thereby, whilesimultaneously instruments which would be rusted or deteriorated bysteam may be sterilized by disinfectant fumes. The invention alsoprovides a sterilizer of neat and attractive appearance in which thetools and instruments which have been sterilized may be kept untilrequired for use.

An important feature of the invention is the provision of brush dryingor conditioning means bodiment of the present invention, it will beunderstood that many changes and modifications in the construction maybe made without departing from the spirit of the invention and thatsterilizers embodying the principles of the invention may be made indifferent shapes, sizes, and arrangements.

We claim:

1. In a sterilizer of the character described having a base containing asteam generating chamber, electrical heating means in said chamber, anda casing above said base and supported thereby containing a steamsterilizing chamber, the combination therewith of means for steri--lizing and drying a brush comprising a shaft extending into saidsterilizin chamber and carrying means therein adapted to suspend saidbrush during sterilization thereof, a motor mounted on the exterior ofsaid casing adapted to rotate said shaft and thereby to rotate saidbrush about its longitudinal axis, and a tray between and adapted toseparate said chambers, said tray being slidably carried by said baseand having a perforated upwardly projecting portion and a perforateddownwardly projecting portion, said perforated upwardly projectingportion being adapted, when said tray is in position to separate saidchambers, to direct steam from said generating chamber onto said brush.

2. In a sterilizer of the character described, a. base containing asteam generatin chamber, a casing above said base containing a steamsterilizing chamber, said casing being formed in two parts, one of saidparts being rigidly supported by said base and the other of said partsbeing pivotally supported by said base, means for sterilizing drying abrush comprising a shaft extending vertically through said casin intosaid sterilizing chamber adapted to suspend said brush in saidsterilizing chamber and operating means outside said casing adapted torotate said shaft and thereby to rotate said brush about itslongitudinal axis, and a tray slidably carried by said base adapted tooccupy a position separating said chambers and having means adapted,when said tray is in such position, to direct steam from said generatingchamber onto said brush.

ABRAHAM T. HASHEIVE. THOMAS A. HASHEM.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 782,303 Winchel et al Feb. 14, 1905 1,842,204 Roberts Jan. 19,1932 2,130,709 Cann Dec. 28, 1937 2,239,741 Schroder Apr. 29, 1941

